La Vida Bethania

Templo Bethania is a small latino Assemblies of God Church located in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego.

Los Pastores

Refugio and Esther Tejada (my in-laws) have been the leaders of this close-knit congregation for over 30 years. This photo was taken in their home before service several weeks after a plumbing failure had flooded their entire home. The original floor was replaced with ceramic tile, Some damaged furniture that earlier held the items now on the floor had yet to be replaced.

Miracle 9-1927

Young families, carrying the third generation to attend under Refugio and Esther's shepherding arrive for Sunday services.

El Maestro

Pastors preparing for worship service in their home at Templo Bethania.

Welcome to Bethania

Refugio is seen here leaving his home on the small gated property that holds the Templo Bethania Chapel.

The irony dripping from a welcome sign on a double bolted metal door to his living quarters is palpable. But the message is completely sincere. All are welcome here. Refugio is a gentle man of 80 plus years who responds to his calling with passion and grace. After 30 some years in the US, he still lacks confidence in his ability to speak in English, yet he understands most all of what's spoken. He's an educated man who reads, writes and studies the complexities of his faith at the deepest levels. And he holds his congregation's rapt attention when he preaches the gospel.

Stained Glass and Oak

Hands of the Pastor

Moved By the Spirit

...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

This isn't a quiet little church. It's not at all uncommon for worshipers to vocalize their praise and raise their arms to receive the holy spirit that is present among them during services. Speaking in tongues is less common, but not unexpected.

Devotion

Templo Bethania is a family oriented place of worship, even as different generations may approach their adulation and devotion in divergent ways.

In Front of Every Good Woman...

Reggie, standing in front of Esther, the quiet true spiritual leader of the church.

Annointing the Pastors

Refugio and Esther are surrounded by Bethania's worship leaders and anointed - to symbolize the passing on of a holy emanation, spirit, or power of God. It may also serve as spiritual method of protection from dangerous influences or demons.

As a point of personal reference, the beautiful woman in the front row (left) is Refugio and Esther's daughter, and my wife, Becky. Note the disengagement typical of a rebellious pastor's kid whose presence is driven by a sense of responsibility to family authority, rather than any presence of spiritual conviction. But to be fair, she shares no DNA of anyone in the photo... but that's another story.

Receiving grace...

Su Mejor Vida Ahora

In Pastor Tejada's tiny office at the back of the community hall is a bookcase of his most treasured and well-used resources. Among the heavy theological tomes there is room for the latest from Texas megachurch leader, Joel Osteen. An interesting juxtaposition.

Youth Sunday School

Along with the regular services, La Vida Bethania includes opportunities for children and teens to participate in classes. As you might expect, the level of engagement and reasons for being there vary significantly.

... a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Really?

A Bethania youth pastor goes over the requirements for youth Sunday School members to qualify for the upcoming trip to Disneyland. Apparently, not everyone is expecting to meet the qualifications...

Children's Church - Coloring for Jesus

The third and fourth generation of Bethania families under Pastores Tejada are among the regular attendees at the weekly children's church classes.

Cocina de amor

In the community kitchen, there's always something cooking. Periodically the community sticks around for an afternoon potluck. There are dozens of authentic Mexican restaurants near here, but the meals at Templo Bethania are beyond compare.

After Worship, Life

After Sunday worship, everyday life slowly resumes. This photo is taken in the driveway outside the church (to the right). The pastors' home is out of the frame to the rear and left. The three women (L to R) on the right are the two pastors daughters and a close family friend. A church elder acknowledges and thanks a younger community member for attending.

Sign Me Up

Admonition

Parting the Waters

Each of these devotional pieces are on the floor because furniture and carpeting was damaged by burst plumbing. I'd like to believe that the irony of Moses parting the waters was intentional...

Los Pastores - Redux

Here is what turned out to be the shortest glimpse of joy in these two dedicated souls in the entire three days of shooting I did at Templo Bethania. They are gentle souls, dedicated to the strength and compassion of their community. But... they seldom show outward signs of joy or affaction. Even the moment captured above isn't quite what it appears.

You see... Reggie is a bit hard of hearing these days. Esther is not shy about telling him exactly what to do and how to behave. In this moment they were tiring the portrait sitting. Esther was getting cranky with Reggie and showing her impatience. I looked right at her and said, "c'mon Esther, just a couple more minutes - then you'll be able to have a break from the miserable guy next to you." She broke into laughter, smiled, and turned to see Reggie's response. Being hard of hearing, and not having heard what I'd just said to her, he grinned and nodded agreement to whatever it was that had been so funny - never aware that her joy was largely based on getting away from him and back to the community of worship that holds her true passions.